Each new year marks many new beginnings and sadly a few endings.  Much to the surprise of Harold Camping the world did not end in 2011, twice.  However, here are some things that did come to an end this year…

NASA Shuttle Program Ends

In the entertainment world Kim Kardashian’s marriage ended in just 72 days.
In sports the NBA and NFL lock-outs came to an end.
In technology the iconic Steve Jobs battle with cancer ended tragically.
In US news NASA ended the shuttle program.
In world events the search for Bin Laden ended.
And in Iraq the troop occupation ended.

While we can’t always predict the end of things it is true that there is a season for everything, a time for beginnings and a time for endings.  So, it is with sadness that we announce that PrayDreamGo is coming to an end.  It served as a great platform to catalyze a conversation about joining God on-mission and among its fans there are many who are faithfully serving God today.  Thanks to those who have contributed to the community over these last 4 years.  The same passion poured into mobilizing and equipping the next generation of Global Christians, which PrayDreamGo served, will be a focused effort for the new Encompass World Partners (formerly GBIM).  We invite you to partner with us as we seek to spread the knowledge and glory of God among the least reached of our world. Learn more about Encompass at www.encompassworldpartners.org and become a fan on facebook.

We are pleased to announce that Grace Brethren International Missions (parent and sponsoring organization of PrayDreamGo) is changing its external name to Encompass World Partners.

“As Encompass World Partners, we will continue to build upon the identity, experience and successes we have enjoyed over the last 111 years,” said Dave Guiles, Executive Director  “Although our name is changing, we’re staying true to the core principles upon which we were founded, and we believe a new identity will allow us to more effectively fulfill the Great Commission until Christ comes for us.”

A special thanks to many of you who participated in surveys, interviews, and focus groups which contributed significantly to the selection of Encompass World Partners.  We are excited about the next chapter in our history as we partner with individuals, churches, and other organization that share our passion to see people and communities transformed through Christ.

We invite you to learn more about our name change at www.encompassworldpartners.org and like us on Facebook.

“21 Days of Global Harvest, Oct. 2-22, 2011, unites the student generation in like-minded fervent prayer for global harvest.”

Check this link out to see how you can participate in this world- wide partnership with Christ in winning a harvest for the Lord.

http://21daysofprayer.net/

“The greatest weapon of our warfare is prayer” – James O. Fraser, message bearer to China.

“Grace enters your life in a moment and will occupy you for eternity. You simply cannot live a productive life or have a productive ministry in this broken-down world unless you have a practical grasp of the grace you have been given.”

Read the rest of Paul Tripp’s article here:

http://bit.ly/omgBTu

Paul Tripp is the president of Paul Tripp Ministries, a nonprofit organization whose mission statement is “Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life.” Tripp is also professor of pastoral life and care at Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, Texas, and executive director of the Center for Pastoral Life and Care in Fort Worth, Texas. Tripp has written many books on Christian living that are read and distributed internationally.

“Dining hall food gets a bad rap, but incoming college freshmen don’t seem to have a problem packing on the infamous “freshman 15.”  But, as Christians what steps do they take to keep a healthy relationship with the Lord?

Jeff Brewer is the lead pastor at Hope Fellowship in Lombard, Illinois, an Acts 29 church planted by College Church in Wheaton. In addition to reaching out to students at Hope Fellowship, he and his wife, Jen, were on staff with CRU, and he has served as a college baseball team chaplain in the Chicago area.

Read Jeff’s blog on how incoming college freshmen “can seek to glorify God as they off to college this month.”

http://bit.ly/qb0vCy

Has anyone ever said to you, “you need a mentor”? You might recoil from that suggestion because you think you have it all together, or even if you don’t have it all together you feel insulted by the mere suggestion.

“Sometimes we get stuck; we lose ourselves, and for some reason no amount of thought, prayer or Scripture searching brings us to the resolution we seek. You’ve been there and I’ve been there: when the trusted lamp goes dim, when your map fades into a puzzle, when your powers of discernment fail. You thought you knew it all—but you still don’t know enough”

Allan Gates who wrote the following article from RELEVANT Magazine, http://bit.ly/ofNvnw, suggests that mentoring might be the thing we all need at some time in our lives.

“Americans are at their best when they respond unselfishly to others in need — and they do so generously when they know that their investments, both personal gifts and government contributions, have value in saving lives in the short-term and supporting prevention in the long-term.”

William Frist, the former Republican majority leader of the U.S. Senate, and a physician, urges us to give to this very needy cause in Africa. Go here to read his thoughts on how America has and should continue to help.

http://bit.ly/oFxiGT

“Following Christ is throwing down all you have and running after Him, never turning back. Facing our fears head on. It’s scary to think of going to Africa and being on my own. To be responsible for telling their stories, and exposing myself to who knows what. But that ‘s what Christ did. When was Christ ever comfortable!? The only refuge, the only break he found was in the presence of His father. Life as a Christian is hard!But whenever I feel homeless, abandoned, alone, and useless I know I have my Father to turn to.”

These are Emily Ibarra’s own words as she was preparing herself for a one month stint in Central African Republic.

Emily, a recent graduate of Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana has spent the last three years sharpening her film skills in order to open her heart to what God had for her to serve him. While in the C.A.R. Emily will:

1. Live in Africa (Central African Republic) from August until September
2. Learn about Central African Culture
3. Utilize Media to Aid Organizations Working in Africa
4. Use Video To Document Her Experience and Tell the Stories Around Her
5. Seek God’s Guidance and Leading
6. Serve and Develop Relationships with Staff and National

Read Emily’s blog and find out how she is doing this on a daily basis and how you can be praying for her.

http://compassionreaction.wordpress.com/i-never/

“Whether you’re looking to move or contemplating marriage, navigating life doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Like most tasks in life, God doesn’t give quick, easy formulas for making choices. So here are five suggestions to help you steer along the journey.”

http://bit.ly/ncHRDV